Start a community site
Ready to bring local journalism back to your town? Tell us about your community and we will help you explore launching a LocalFocus newsroom.
Getting started
Three ways into your hometown newsroom
Whether you are launching a new community site, joining one that already exists, or returning to your desk, LocalFocus makes it straightforward to get involved.
Join an existing community
Received an article link from a neighbor? Open it, then create a reader account for that community to follow local stories and support writers.
Sign in
Already have an account? Log in to read articles, manage your wallet, write for the desk, or run your community as an administrator.
What happens after you launch
A new community site is set up with your town name, sections, and a front page. From there, administrators invite authors and editors, publish articles, and build the habits that keep local news alive.
- Set up your site — name, sections, front page design, and local promotions.
- Invite your team — authors write, editors review, readers subscribe with their wallets.
- Publish local stories — council coverage, school news, business openings, and community voice.
- Grow sustainably — optional paid reads support writers and your community newsroom.